In the Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards 2007, Sydney was voted the number one destination in the world! So if you could sample
some of Sydney's delights in just one weekend this summer, where would you go? Here are some ideas.

Musical Story:

Hailed as 'the greatest British musical ever', Billy Elliot the Musical opened in London's West End to rave reviews and broke box office records. The beautifully uplifting story of Billy Elliot is now heading to Sydney, with the Australian premiere on December 13.

Developed for the stage by the multi award-winning team behind the 2000 movie Billy Elliot, which was nominated for three Academy Awards, the spectacle has a rousing musical score composed by the legendary songwriter Elton John.

Set against the turbulent British miners' strike of 1984-85, it's the story of a young boy's struggle to become a ballet dancer against all the odds - and against his father's wishes. The interplay between ballet lessons and battles on picket lines gives the stage version a harder edge than the film, and the dynamics of live performance give the stage

To Go: Stay & See packages are available from the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney, the official hotel of Billy Elliot the Musical. Just minutes from the Capitol Theatre, Sofitel Wentworth packages include a room and an A-reserve ticket from $277 per person. Visit www.billyelliotthemusical.com.auBilly Elliot tickets are on sale now. Call the Billy Hotline on 1300 552 290.

Beach Culture:

What could be more 'Sydney' than spending a day at Bondi Beach? Today, it's a lot more sophisticated and diverse than its reputation as a backpacker hot spot suggests.

Explore the Sunday markets, take in the spectacular coastal headland walk or relax with a beachside yoga session.

Discover Bondi Tours offers fun days out in Bondi in which you can learn to surf, enjoy a seafood barbecue on the beach or take a tour of fashion haven Westfield Bondi Junction. They also offer a guide to take you on a secret shopping tour of the back streets.

For more information on the range of Bondi day tours and bookings, visit www.discoverbondi.com.au

This year marks the centenary of Surf Life Saving, and the celebrations will culminate in a festival at Bondi Beach from November 29 to December 2, featuring interstate and international surf-lifesaving competitions. Teams from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, USA and the UK will battle it out on the sand and the surf in traditional surf-lifesaving events such as boat races, paddling and ironman and ironwoman races. Admission is free.

For more information on the celebrations, visit www.slsa.com.au

Top View:

Go on the climb of your life on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb now has two climbs to choose from - The BridgeClimb and The Discovery Climb. The climbs, something every visitor to Sydney should do, take three and a half hours each and include a safety demonstration, jumpsuit and photo opportunities.

On the new Discovery Climb, trained leaders take climbers on a journey of discovery through the heart of the bridge to areas previously only accessible to those who work on it. Climbers can touch the raw steel and infinite rivets, travel across mesh catwalks, walk up stairs past the historic point where the bridge was first joined 75 years ago and reach the summit, 134m above sea level.

BridgeClimb has just celebrated two million climbers, and will easily exceed this number with climbs departing every 10 minutes every day. This summer, a great option is the spectacular twilight climb.

To book, call (02) 8274 7777, or visit www.bridgeclimb.com

Cinema Alfresco:

Escape to a garden oasis and watch the stars shine at the outdoor Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park. Spread out the picnic rug or hire a beanbag and enjoy classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Sound of Music.

As the sun sets and the screen lights up, enjoy a picnic or on-site catering with a vast array of food to cover all your culinary desires. And, of course, there's a great selection of wine, beer and other beverages.

The big screen lights up from December 6, 2007, to March 9, 2008. Tickets are available at www.moonlight.com.au

Kids' Deals:

Make sure you get your Sydney For Kids card so your kids can stay, play and eat for free. From surf lessons at Bondi Beach with Let's Go Surfing to guided bike tours with Bonza Bikes, there's loads for families to enjoy in Sydney this summer, including exclusive kids-free deals to Sydney Wildlife World, Australian National Maritime Museum, Luna Park and Taronga Zoo. Valid until March 2008. For more information, visit www.seesydney.com

For the latest in travel check out this week's issue of New Idea, on sale now!